Tedward

I’d take Abe Stroman at this point

Appears that we lost two players - Rucker and Machin ...

Here's a trade proposal from ESPN's David Schoenfield posted earlier this morning. Not sure I like the idea of moving two of our core guys for such a prospect heavy package, but there are some interesting names involved. ........................................................................................................ In a three-team blockbuster, the Houston Astros acquire C Willson Contreras from the Chicago Cubs and LHP Amir Garrett from the Cincinnati Reds; the Reds acquire 3B/OF Kris Bryant from the Cubs and RHP Josh James from the Astros; the Cubs acquire RHP Forrest Whitley and 3B Abraham Toro from the Astros and LHP Nick Lodolo and RHP Tony Santillan from the Reds Whoa! This one has more moving parts than your typical sign-stealing scheme. Let's review each team: Cubs: Reports say the Cubs are looking to make some trades, with Contreras and Bryant the two candidates we're hearing about in the rumor mill. They need young pitching to replenish a system that has failed miserably in developing arms. They get Whitley, who was the game's top pitching prospect a year ago before a lost 2019 season (although he still struck out 86 batters in 59⅔ innings), the Reds' first-round pick from 2019 in TCU southpaw Lodolo, plus a good bat in Toro, who had a .938 OPS in the high minors but is blocked in Houston. Astros: With Robinson Chirinos and Martin Maldonado both free agents, their current catching tandem is Garrett Stubbs and Dustin Garneau. Unless Stubbs emerges as a stud we didn't know about, they need a catcher. Contreras is a two-time All-Star with three years of team control who hit .272/.355/.533. Garrett for James is basically an exchange of hard-throwing relievers, but the Astros acquire a lefty for the bullpen -- one might have come in handy for Juan Soto in the World Series, you know. Reds: The Reds say they're going to spend to build from pretender to contender, and they just signed Mike Moustakas to play second base. That's a good start to boost an offense that ranked just 12th in the NL in runs (despite their homer-friendly park), but let's go another step and add Bryant. This move requires some creativity as the Reds already have Eugenio Suarez to play third base. But Bryant is going to play the outfield on this team (and his versatility is an added benefit). He started 29 games there for the Cubs in 2019, and he's plus-3 DRS in the outfield in his career. He's fine out there and, in fact, given his back issues a move to the outfield could be better for his career. The Reds give up two of their top four or five prospects, but here's the new lineup: CF Nick Senzel LF Bryant 2B Moustakas 3B Suarez RF Aristides Aquino/Jesse Winker 1B Joey Votto SS Freddy Galvis C Tucker Barnhart

Me too. bWAR has him at a 0.7 ... Not sure why there's such a wide disparity... Hendricks for example is pretty consistent between the two WAR models

Since I think Amaya is the Cubs best prospect, I definitely think that's an oversight on BA's part. I feel like BA has a lot more oversights the past few years Hmmn... Omitting Amaya ... maybe that's why they had us with the 29th overall farm system recently ...

The fact that we won a World Series with them is a good deal of why they've become Scrooge McDucks. They got their title, and they'd like more, but not at the expense of making piles of money. According to Mooney's recent piece in the Athletic, the Cubs payroll is now near $245MM. Maybe I'm mistaken, but I can't seem to recall the prior owners (the Tribune Co) forking out that kind of dough to put a team on the field. Exceeding the $246MM threshold also leads to draft penalties... I wonder how many other teams in MLB are spending that kind of dough? Probably not that many. I've been following this team since 79' and you know... we could have done worse with an ownership group imo .... Maybe Theo and crew need to do a better job of spending Ricketts $ .... just sayin ....

Good stuff. Nothing really new in the article for people following him closely. He could be a late season addition if he continues dominating at AAA. It's been a week since he pitched. I hope he isn't dealing with another injury already. Believe he’s currently sidelined with a groin injury, but not expected to be serious

Mets putting in a waiver claim for Collins in 3....2.....1 ...

Right. If you’re going to do that, why not just wait another year for 29-year-old Mike Trout. Because he's going home to Philly

I believe Steele & Clifton will be exposed if they aren't protected

Ha, that's great! Me too, my parents still live there, for now. And I work in Elmhurst (actually Berkeley, but whatever) so the circle is complete! I grew up in Glen Ellyn. Went to HS at Glenbard South and Cod. Lived right down the street from there. Mkved to Austin like 9 years ago though. Still have some family that lives there though. Geez, another Glen Ellyn'r cool. Me too... it's been awhile, but I went to Hadley, and did FR/SO years at Glenbard West before the move Eastward in the mid 80's. I lived right near the park that's across from the HS. My only regret is that Portillo's didn't become really popular until after I moved away. Great memories ...

"Love Boat" reference .... well done Gooney

From the Athletic .... Player of the Week: Nico Hoerner, SS, Cubs 60 AB, 21 H, 7 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, HR, 8 RBI (14 games) With their top pick for 2018, the Chicago Cubs opted for the bat of Stanford University shortstop Nico Hoerner and it hasn’t taken long this fall season to see what made him so attractive. “I like him a lot,” Lou Marson said. “To be honest, he’s my favorite player on this team.” The 6-1 shortstop jumped three levels in his first summer with the Cubs organization, ending the year with Class-A South Bend. Although he wasn’t known for home run power in college — hitting a total of 10 dingers over his three-year career in the Pac-12 — he’s shown some raw pop at the plate since arriving in Mesa. With speed as his selling tool, Hoerner makes good use of his body and his defense has caught Marson’s attention. “He’s a very good shortstop,” Marson said. “He makes all the routine plays and has great back speed. The Cubs have a good player. I think that I see him moving through the system very quickly, especially as a college guy. Great kid, works hard. His instincts on the bases are unbelievable as well.” “He’s an all-around player,” Marson continued. “Really falls in the dirt, stealing bases, he’s a good kid.”

Same. I figured he was ours if we really wanted him. And the return wasn't that great. Hopefully we get Wheeler now I'd like Wheeler as well, but can't help but think the Mets brass is going underground now after being ridiculed in the media with their weak return on Familia. Either that or their asking price will be so high now, he won't be attainable.

Keegan Thompson is very interesting....

More accolades on Amaya from a recent Jeff Passan prospect report... seems like we may have a new #1 prospect by seasons end

Not picked yet

Yes, three more picks

Amaya makes the BA Hot Sheet this week. 17. Miguel Amaya, C, Cubs Team: Low Class A South Bend (Midwest) Age: 19 Why He’s Here: .438/.571/.875 (7-for-16), 4 R, 1 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBIs, 5 BB, 5 SO The Scoop: The Cubs signed Amaya for $1 million out of Panama when he was 16 in 2015, but his performance the last two years did little to distinguish him as a prospect. That’s changed. Amaya is batting .295/.382/.518, showcasing a promising balance of hitting ability and power for a young catcher. (BB)

It’s not. I was assured by a guy who “knows things” that they aren’t connected to him. Thank goodness ... Just read Rosenthal's article in the Athletic regarding his situation. I wouldn't want that guy in my organization...

The Athletic has posted their 1st round Mock They have the Cubs selecting Greyson Jenista, OF Wichita State

Solid pass catching TE, not as strong in the blocking game.

Jeez, between McGee, Shaw, and now Davis, the Rockies have some serious coin tied up long term in their pen. Wow.

I'd also want Gausman back as part of a much larger deal.

https://twitter.com/CarrieMuskat/status/940713021411864576?s=17